La Spezia: Coastal Odyssey

Begin your sailing itinerary from the port of La Spezia and set sail towards the beautiful Lerici. Head to Lerici Castle, which offers stunning views of the town and the Gulf of La Spezia. The castle dates back to the 12th century and houses a palaeontology museum with fascinating exhibits. Visit the nearby San Giorgio Church, a beautiful historical church located close to the castle. Visit Villa Marigola, an elegant historic villa surrounded by beautiful gardens. Head to Spiaggia Venere Azzurra, one of the most popular beaches in Lerici. Relax on the sandy shores, swim in the clear waters, or simply enjoy the sun. Sail to the nearby Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For dinner, enjoy seafood and traditional Italian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Continue along your sailing itinerary and arrive at Levanto, a beautiful coastal town. Start your day with a delicious Italian breakfast at a local café. Wander through the historical centre of Levanto. Visit the Church of Sant'Andrea, known for its Gothic architecture and striking black and white striped façade. Head to Levanto Beach for some relaxation. You can rent a sunbed and umbrella, or simply lay out a towel on the sand. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant and try local seafood dishes such as spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) or acciughe ripiene (stuffed anchovies). Return to Levanto and visit the Castle of Levanto, which offers panoramic views of the town and coastline. If you're up for a hike, explore some of the trails leading from Levanto to the Cinque Terre. The trail to Monterosso al Mare is popular and offers breathtaking views. For dinner, savour Ligurian specialities such as pesto alla genovese, trofie pasta, and fresh seafood.

Next head for the gorgeous town of Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming coastal town in Italy, known for its picturesque harbour, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast at a local café. Explore the beautiful Villa Durazzo and its stunning gardens. Head to one of the waterfront restaurants for a delicious seafood lunch. Try local specialities like fresh seafood pasta, grilled fish, or seafood risotto. Wander through the charming streets of the old town, lined with pastel-coloured buildings, boutiques, and cafes. Don't miss the Church of San Giacomo, known for its Baroque architecture and beautiful artwork. or outdoor enthusiasts, consider hiking from Portofino to San Fruttuoso Abbey. This scenic trail offers breathtaking views of the coastline and leads to a secluded beach where you can visit the historic abbey. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the harbor, where you can savor fresh seafood dishes while watching the sunset over the water.

Navigate towards the next stop on your sailing holiday, Portofino. Enjoy freshly brewed Italian coffee, pastries, and maybe some local specialties like focaccia or fresh fruit. After breakfast, take a short walk to Castello Brown, a historic castle perched on a hill overlooking Portofino. Spend some time wandering through the narrow streets of Portofino lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and designer stores. Head to one of the waterfront restaurants or trattorias for a delicious seafood lunch. Cruise to Paraggi Beach, a beautiful crescent-shaped bay with crystal-clear waters. Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or simply lounging on the beach. For dinner, dine at a cozy trattoria or pizzeria in the town center. Enjoy classic Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, or seafood, paired with a glass of local wine.

Cruise onwards towards Sestri Levante the ideal spot for your sailing holiday. Commence your day with a typical Ligurian breakfast of freshly baked focaccia, accompanied by a cappuccino or espresso. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, lined with colourful buildings and charming shops. Make a stop at the Church of San Nicolò, located in the heart of the old town. This beautiful church dates back to the 13th century and features stunning frescoes and artwork. Head to one of the local trattorias or osterias for a delicious lunch of traditional Ligurian cuisine. Try dishes like trofie al pesto (handmade pasta with pesto sauce), focaccia con formaggio (cheese focaccia), or seafood risotto. After lunch, spend some time relaxing on one of Sestri Levante's beautiful beaches. Whether you prefer the sandy shores of Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) or the rocky coastline of Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fairy Tales). End your day with a memorable dinner overlooking the sea.

The final stop on your sailing itinerary is the gorgeous town of Porto Venere. Start your day with a delicious Italian breakfast at one of the charming cafes in Porto Venere. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Porto Venere's Old Town. Head to Byron's Grotto, a sea cave named after the famous English poet Lord Byron who used to swim here. Treat yourself to a delicious seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants overlooking the harbour. Take a short walk to Doria Castle, a medieval fortress that once protected the town from pirate attacks. Explore the castle grounds, climb the ancient ramparts, and visit the museum inside to learn about the history of Porto Venere and its maritime heritage. Dine at a local seafront restaurant.

Finally, head back towards the base marina of La Spezia. Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast at one of the charming cafes in La Spezia. Spend the morning exploring the Museo Civico Amedeo Lia, which houses an impressive collection of artworks spanning from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Head to a local trattoria for a delicious Italian lunch. Try some Ligurian specialities like trofie al pesto (pasta with basil sauce), focaccia, or seafood dishes featuring the region's fresh catch. Take a leisurely stroll through La Spezia's charming Old Town. Wander through narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, and discover hidden piazzas and quaint shops along the way. End your day with a memorable dinner at a restaurant overlooking the sea. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes paired with a glass of local wine as you watch the sunset over the Ligurian coast.